Noteboom The Law Firm

Marine Dies From Toxic Exposure In El Toro

October 1, 2010 - A Marine recently died from progressive small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lumphocytic leukemia (CLL). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has since compensated his widow as the VA Board of Veterans' Appeals found his illnesses were due to his exposure to toxic materials while stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in El Toro, California between 1968 and 1971.

The VA determined his leukemia and lymphoma were caused from chemical exposure. The chemical exposure came from the Marine transporting hazardous material while on base as well as being exposed to burning landfills, which produced toxic pollution.

El Toro had 4 landfills on their base and those landfills burned:  

• Various fuels;
• Industrial solvents and cleaning materials;
• Waste; and
• Other noxious materials.

El Toro was put on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of locations requiring cleanup because of the amount of hazardous waste on the property. According to the VA's findings, the Marine's job put him in direct contact with such hazardous and toxic materials as benzene and aromatic amines.

Since then, the groundwater has tested positive for such toxic contaminants as Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE). Over the last couple of years other El Toro veterans have started developing severe health issues and complications that may also be related to toxic exposure. The contamination from the toxic materials on the base most likely infected the air, the soil, and the drinking water, although the severity of the contamination is still under investigation.